delinquent

Definition

Late or failing to pay a debt or other financial obligation, like a mortgage or loan.

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French délinquant, ultimately from Latin delinquens, present participle of delinquo.

Example Sentences

• "Fred is delinquent in making his car payment."
• "The company made a new effort to collect delinquent payments."
• "The station's financial difficulties came to a head last week when the Internal Revenue Service had its bank accounts frozen as a result of delinquent taxes."

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